The Bible tells me in the book of Hebrews to 'not forsake the frequent gathering of yourselves as is the custom of some folks' and camaraderie, fellowship and Holy Spirit are some reason why I enjoy attending a church regularly. In the First Century it was the custom to meet at various households for meetings and worship, learning, etc., and people could also get some help if they were really deserving, dealing with hunger, etc. And, "where 2 or more are gathered, there will be my Spirit." And one hand strengthens another hand-- and there can be extra care for the infirm, older Christians, etc. People need not be alone and lonely -- but if they are, they CAN LEARN the bible all by themselves, and they do! I constantly remind people that the bible is mostly written on a 5th grade level, so what is the problem, friends.
And I just read another news article regarding the head of Israel wanting to strike Iran BEFORE the American elections....[and this was AFTER I finished distributing my own ideas in my Blog: TOM'S JOURNAL!! So it's not so far fetched. What ought we Christians be doing at this late stage of the game ??? Get Ready! I used to say: 'Why polish the brass on a sinking ship?'
James 4:7, says, "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
And for those goofy, prideful people who always love to tell us that they will jump on the ship just before it sets sail, I say: that's not how it works. If you are not ready for the Rapture now, I doubt that you ever will be. I need to work on my own pride too -- except that many times I am just goofing around with the friends who know me. Just the same, I want to be found 'spotless' and holy, if it's possible... although the Lord knows that I am yet a sinner man. And even I believe in OSAS, I will still confess the day's sins before God, before I go to sleep at night, and ask Him for forgiveness. Even we Christians might think yet in heaven... 'did we do everything we could while on earth, to help others learn the Bible truths, and doctrines?'
In a short time, we shall be dead to all earthly things, after our Lord, Jesus collects us away in the clouds, and graves. I feel sorry that others who are blinded by false religion, or just laziness, don't 'see and feel what I, personally feel. Like, I don't feel so comfortable here on earth, and have high hopes to be lifted into heaven -- sinner that I am, but forgiven by Jesus Ransom sacrifice on the cross, once and for all. PTL. I believe that if you pray long, hard and often enough, and you are one of the chosen fold -- the Holy Spirit will cause you to understand, and mine the goods from the Scriptures.
Time for bed.
Warm Regards,
Tom Schuckman
Is the Bible Alone Sufficient?
That the average person can understand Scripture without having to rely upon a church for the "authoritative teaching" is evident in the fact that Jesus taught openly and with clarity, and expected His followers to each understand His meaning. Recall that following His arrest, Jesus was questioned by the High Priest about His disciples and His teaching. Jesus responded:I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing. Why askest thou me? ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them: behold, they know what I said (John 18:20-21).According to Jesus, those who heard Him would be able to clearly enunciate what He had openly communicated. There were no confusing or obscure meanings in His words that required an "authoritative interpretation" by a church.
In keeping with this, the apostle Paul instructed young Timothy:
"From a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).This verse points to the complete sufficiency of Scripture in the life of a believer.
Jewish boys formally began studying the Old Testament Scriptures when they were five years of age. Timothy had been taught the Scriptures by his mother and grandmother beginning at this age. Clearly, 2 Timothy 3:15 indicates that the Scriptures alone are sufficient to provide the necessary wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ. The Scriptures alone are the source of spiritual knowledge.
Then, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that all Scripture is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." This verse does not say that Scripture as seen through the lens of the Mormon church is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof," and so forth. It is Scripture that does these things. And the reason Scripture can do these things is that all Scripture is inspired by God (vs. 16a).
The word inspired means "God-breathed." Scripture is sufficient because it finds its source in God. It is noteworthy that the phrase thoroughly furnished ("that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished") means "complete, capable, fully furnished, proficient in the sense of being able to meet all demands." Scripture alone makes a person complete, capable, and proficient. Scripture furnishes all that one must know to be saved and to grow in grace.
Correctly Handling the Word of Truth
Jesus said His words lead to eternal life (John 6:63). But for us to receive eternal life through His words, they must be taken as He intended them to be taken. A cultic reinterpretation of Scripture that yields another Jesus and another gospel (2 Corinthians 11:3-4; Galatians 1:6-9) will yield only eternal death (Revelation 20:11-15).Related Links
Rightly Interpreting the Bible (Part 1) • BPB (Ron Rhodes)Rightly Interpreting the Bible (Part 2) • BPB (Ron Rhodes)Rightly Interpreting the Bible (Part 3) • BPB (Ron Rhodes)Rightly Interpreting the Bible (Part 4) • BPB (Ron Rhodes)Is the Bible Alone Sufficient for Spiritual Truth? • Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry (CARM)
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